2024 is a Great Year for Planting Seeds
Reframing the Traditional New Year's Resolution
Hello, dear and gentle reader!
You may be expecting an end-of-year newsletter, but I’m writing my updates out of order. My 2023 wrapped up a bit sooner than I expected due to project updates and approvals. Onwards!
I mentioned in a previous newsletter that I've been embracing a whiteboard for my projects. The whiteboard has been a visual asset to my writing practice, because as I physically remove/revise/update line items, I experience a sense of movement.
Since I’ve already encapsulated my projects, I’ve been thinking about a New Year’s Resolution that will complement the whiteboard. In that spirit, I’ve decided to try reframing the dogged pursuit of goals as “planting seeds.” Visually-rich metaphors help me mass murder my brain weasels, because I perceive those images like you might watch a movie.
What does “planting seeds” mean to me? At its core, the metaphor is about reframing submissions, applications, and the like as opportunities I want to pursue. Or, seeds I want to plant in my garden.
I’m using Google Drive to track this year’s resolution; I’ve set up a Google form to record said seeds. By entering a seed, the data is instantly graphed and sent to a spreadsheet, giving me real-time data. The form is simple, because experience has taught me that the more complicated I might make a form, the less likely I am to use it.
If you wish to create a form of your own, here’s an example of the one I’m using:
Form to Track Seeds You Plant in 2024
Digging into this metaphor*, I love the idea of planting a garden, because gardening at a zoo has highlighted just how miraculous seeds truly are. Seeds only sprout in the proper conditions and there is a lot that can affect growth for better or for worse.
The other aspect of this metaphor that I am keen on, is the feeling of hope that’s inherent in all gardening. I hope this seed sprouts and turns into a beautiful, healthy flower—but all I can do is plant it. And wait.
Of course, no metaphor is flawless and I’m not attempting literal perfection. The idea does, however, complement another digital tool that I often use: the Forest app. Forest is a time management app that allows you to plant and unlock different types of trees and soundscapes. If you’re keen on using the app (or wish to join me) I’ve included a referral code when you sign up.
Stay focused with me on Forest and turn our focused time into adorable trees! Enter 5UM25FMSG to be a part of Forest! https://forestapp.cc/download/en
Next time, I’ll be sharing my end-of-year summary. This was a year of experiences ranging from getting my tarot cards read at the House of Voodoo, having breakfast on the Nile, and watching a badger playing with a water jug and everything around and in between. Publications-wise, I can’t even remember what came out and will have to dredge up my announcement posts.
* Yes, that was an intentional pun. Hah, hah!
How about you? Did you write your end-of-year post? Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?